Rank: Specialist 4
Unit: I Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
MOS: 11E – Armor Crewman
Awards: Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Badges: Combat Infantryman Badge
Unit awards: Valorous Unit Award, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm device
Enlisted by: Regular
Date of birth: 9-Jun-1950
Hometown: Lompoc, California
Marital status: Never Married
Campaign: Vietnam Conflict
Entered service: 29-Jul-1969
Start of tour: 23-Jan-1970
Incident date: 15-Nov-1970
Date of casualty: 15-Nov-1970
Age at death: 20
Cause of death: Hostile, died. Explosive Device. Other explosive device.
Clarence R. Pritchard Jr was killed while the driver of a military vehicle on a military mission when a mine detonated. / Driver of tank on reconnaissance mission. Vehicle detonated hostile mine.
Location of fatality: Binh Duong, South Vietnam, XT 892 418
Place of interment: Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery, Lompoc, California, USA
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ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL
WITH VALOR DEVICE
SPECIALIST FOUR CLARENCE R. PRITCHARD
6 MAY 1970
I TROOP, 3rd SQUADRON
11TH ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT
Specialist Four Pritchard distinguished himself by heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 6 May 1970 while serving as a Tank Driver with Troop I, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist Pritchard’s platoon was suddenly engaged by an enemy force of unknown size. Under heavy fire from the right flank, he expertly maneuvered his vehicle to allow for more effective suppressive fire. He added to this fire power by voluntarily exposing himself to the enemy fire in order to use his personal weapon. Specialist Four Pritchard’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam General Orders No. 4517 (22 December 1970)
BRONZE STAR MEDAL
WITH VALOR DEVICE
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS CLARENCE R. PRITCHARD
23 FEBRUARY 1970
I TROOP, 3rd SQUADRON
11TH ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT
Private First Class Pritchard distinguished himself by heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 23 February 1970 while serving as a gunner with Troop I, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Private Pritchard’s platoon was secured at a night defensive position. While on guard duty in the tanks commander’s hatch, his vehicle received intense small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire. Immediately Private Pritchard retaliated with quick bursts from his machinegun at the suspected enemy locations. Even though he was severely wounded, he continued to place effective suppressive fire upon the enemy. After his vehicle commander assumed command, Private Pritchard returned to his position as gunner and continued to fire until the enemy attack was repulsed. He was then treated for his wounds and evacuated. Private First Class Pritchard’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam General Orders No. 2307 (31 May 1970)